In Our Opinion: State filled with chances to adapt to new economy

Here's a new pillar of the new economy to ponder: the old economy.
A new industry built around green technology and alternative energy is being talked up by everyone, from Gov. Jennifer Granholm on down. They're talking about wind turbines and ethanol plants and junk cellulose-based biodiesel.

But a new tool for industry to manage energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions unveiled this week comes from a decidedly old-economy company, Midland's Dow Corning Corp.

It might sound so old economy, but friction still slows down and damages machinery, and that costs. Maybe even contributes to global warming.

Even new economies can benefit from old economy marketing.

The online tool "can help manufacturers meet sustainability goals and fulfill their commitment to innovative, energy-efficient solutions by understanding where they may be wasting energy," Dow Corning global solutions development manager Phil Grellier said in the company's announcement.

Users can enter the number of motors, gearboxes, pumps, compressors and fans, the kilowatts needed to run them, their efficiency, the hours per day and days per year into the calculator, the company says. That yields potential reductions in kilowatt hours, carbon dioxide emissions and the associated cost savings.

Sounds like something we could all use for our own vehicles.

Green is the color of money today, with energy efficiency and sustainable practices winning a surer foothold even in a faltering economy. Business Review's coverage over the last couple months of auto and building industry shows illustrates a trend that is gathering pace across a number of industries.

New, high-tech industries like those envisioned by state officials are worth courting and nurturing. But let's also urge our long-established corporate citizens to pursue the new market.